Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK), the Slovak railway operator, has signed a new contract with Stadler for the delivery of up to four state-of-the-art KISS double-decker electric trains, expanding its regional fleet and doubling the number of KISS units in operation across Slovakia. The deal, signed on 30 April 2025, is valued at up to EUR 100 million.
The first new KISS unit is expected to enter passenger service at the end of 2026, followed by the second in 2027. The vehicles will operate on the strategic railway corridor between Bratislava and Žilina. The agreement includes an option for two additional trains.
“Stadler trains have been running successfully in Slovakia for more than a year. I am pleased that we will once again deliver state-of-the-art KISS units to Slovak Railways. These vehicles offer the highest level of comfort, increased capacity, and reduced life-cycle costs thanks to their lightweight aluminium construction,” Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing at Stadler, said.
“Fleet renewal is a pillar of our vision for modern and sustainable transport. These new trains will not only enhance passenger comfort but also lower energy consumption to just 12 kWh per train-kilometre, helping save dozens of tonnes of emissions each year. They represent ecological solutions that improve quality of life and elevate Slovak rail to a European standard,” ZSSK CEO Peter Helexa added.
Swiss engineering, regional value
The new trains will be designed by Stadler Prague, which employs more than 250 engineers and designers, while manufacturing will be carried out at Stadler’s plant in Siedlce, Poland.
Zdeněk Majer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Stadler Prague, said:
“Slovakia is one of several Central European countries steadily increasing their use of Stadler trains. This contract underlines our continued expansion and long-term commitment to the region.”
Specifications of the KISS Trains
The KISS trains are 155.9 metres long and equipped with 611 seats — including 30 in First Class — with capacity for up to 770 standing passengers. Key features include:
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Maximum speed: 160 km/h
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Maximum traction power: 6,000 kW
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Power supply: 25kV, 50 Hz AC
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Four toilets (one accessible), space for 15 bicycles, two push-chairs, and two wheelchairs
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Fully air-conditioned cabins, Wi-Fi, and a modern passenger information system
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Internal, external, and roof-mounted cameras, including pantograph monitoring
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Train control: Mirel VZ1 and ETCS Level 2
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Entry height: 580 mm above the rail
These new trains build on Stadler’s existing footprint in Slovakia. In 2023, four KISS trains were introduced on regional lines connecting Bratislava with Nové Zámky, Trenčín, and Púchov. Stadler has also previously supplied electric units for narrow-gauge operations in the High Tatras in 2001, 2003, and 2021.
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